AMMAN — Jordan’s participation in the 35th Doha International Book Fair reflects the “deep” ties between Jordan and Qatar and highlights the “strong” cultural relations supported by His Majesty King Abdullah and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Culture Minister Mustafa Rawashdeh said on Thursday. 

 

Rawashdeh expressed appreciation for Qatar for its hospitality and cooperation during the opening of the fair, which was attended by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, praising Qatar’s role as a cultural centre in the region, according to a ministry statement.

 

Rawashdeh expressed pride in the participation of Jordanian publishing houses in the exhibition, held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, noting that Jordan’s publishing industry is among the Kingdom’s leading cultural and creative sectors.

 

Accompanied by National Library Director-General Firas Darabah, the minister toured the exhibition and visited Jordanian publishers’ stands, stressing the ministry’s support for Jordanian publishers and writers at international events.

 

He said that book fairs provide an important space for cultural dialogue and communication between peoples, noting that knowledge helps build civilisations and boost ties between nations.

 

The 35th edition of the fair, which runs until May 23, includes 515 publishing houses from 37 countries, including around 50 Jordanian publishers.

 

Held under the slogan “From Engraving to Writing”, the Doha International Book Fair is one of the region’s oldest and largest book fairs, first launched in 1972.